Junkyard 5.9 for my 72 Van

[CichliDart]

Check fuses and power at the brake switch. Just went thru this same issue On the dakota

Thanks Dusted,
Did my upside down work on the fuses and brakelight switch. Switch is good, panel is sketchy on one on section. I was thinking of getting one of those "Hot Rod" replacement wiring fuse panels. I bypassed the sketchy part of the panel and still no lights.
More tomorrow I hope.
Mike

 

[CichliDart]

Those are circuit breakers, not relays. Should always have a closed operational status (current allowed to flow through) unless something past them is shorted, or the circuit breakers are faulty (open all the time).

You hit the nail on the head as far as name Bobzilla. I typed that in the search engine and bang, there they were on the screen. I will order a couple and rewire that area and see where it goes from there. Thank you for identifying and explaining the function of them.

Mike

 

[CichliDart]

Long time no post.

I had to stop driving the van as the brake lights and then tail lights stopped working.
I did most if my testing a couple months back before my anemia got in the way. Taking procrit shots for anemia and just got the go ahead for a Kidney Transplant. Today was the first time I felt good enough to look into the van again. I have had to take Lyft to work the last couple months and am sick of it.

I have two "relays" on my firewall that are not labelled clearly on my wiring diagrams in two books as well as the online source so many have provided here on Abody's. I will post a picture below. Yes the wiring is a mess and I want to clean this up and replace the4 old crummy wires and connections when I replace the "relays". I think the "relay" the right is not functioning as no power goes past it. Any idea on part numbers or where to buy replacemen

View attachment 1715771515

So it turns out this special wiring was completely home made. I know, no surprise. I guess the Previous owner did this to repair or upgrade whatever happened to the tail and brake lights in the past. I finished wiring it with new wire and connectors where I could and the new fuses and NOTHING changed. So whatever is broken is elsewhere. The PO had installed a power or interrupt switch in this weird little mess. I removed it and just wired it hot as I never knew the switch was inline with the tail lights. Again, nothing changed. Battery is not hooked up now as I don't want to burn the whole thing down in the street.

I am going to try and repair this by swapping in another fuse panel. A very simple replacement which will not be much of an upgrade. I can always install a busier more optioned fuse panel later, but right now I just want to drive the darn thing again.

I did get a new crank for the engine, it shipped with no core charge. Supposed to come with bearings. I have not opened the box yet. Ordered a bore gauge dial indicator to check for size and taper. I know that the Magnums are not supposed to wear as easily and as much as the LA engines but I want to verify before I assemble or spend more. If it proves safe to use without boring any suggestions on type of hone to use?
I have not raided all my Dad's tools since he passed away and I am sure there are engine hones with the stones on them but don't want to use it just because I have it.

 

[RustyRatRod]

So do we ever get to see the van or are you just baitin us along like fools? lol

 

[CichliDart]

So do we ever get to see the van or are you just baitin us along like fools? lol

LOL, Oh, I will post some pics in the middle of the night when I get home. She is a big beast, Has the bubble roof like the ice cream man vans. With kayak racks on the sides of the top. Not a pretty picture and always gets the looks. The "Oh no he is coming right at us" looks. I just drive faster and it scares people out of the way.

Mike

 

[SilverStubby]

That's an awesome project, please provide us with some photos soon! I'm in the middle of doing a magnum swap in an 87 stubby van. If you have access to a lift you should look at dropping the motor with the subframe, I did it on the donor van and it worked pretty slick.

 

[CichliDart]

That's an awesome project, please provide us with some photos soon! I'm in the middle of doing a magnum swap in an 87 stubby van. If you have access to a lift you should look at dropping the motor with the subframe, I did it on the donor van and it worked pretty slick.

Thanks Silver Stubby,

I am doing new wiring harness install right now, and i it ever gets completed the engine is next. I need to contact CrackedBack for his MAD Dash and Headlight kit. I am looking at the stuff provided for headlights provided in the kit and kit is almost as bad as the factory stuff.

Please tell me about removing the subframe. Does this involve any suspension removal?

Pics are for Rusty, who I promised a long time ago I would po

st.

In all her 70's glory.

 

[CichliDart]

Thanks Silver Stubby,

I am doing new wiring harness install right now, and i it ever gets completed the engine is next. I need to contact CrackedBack for his MAD Dash and Headlight kit. I am looking at the stuff provided for headlights provided in the kit and kit is almost as bad as the factory stuff.

Please tell me about removing the subframe. Does this involve any suspension removal?

Pics are for Rusty, who I promised a long time ago I would poView attachment 1715788517 View attachment 1715788521 st.

In all her 70's glory.

View attachment 1715788516

Last pic was not intended.

 

[SilverStubby]

It does require suspension removal, the lower a arm is mounted to the subframe you remove. I just knocked the lower ball joint loose from the spindle and the drag link. Worked for my purpose but I wasn't planning on driving the donor vehicle afterwards.

 

[CichliDart]

It does require suspension removal, the lower a arm is mounted to the subframe you remove. I just knocked the lower ball joint loose from the spindle and the drag link. Worked for my purpose but I wasn't planning on driving the donor vehicle afterwards.

Sounds like it is easier than through the front or passenger door. No lift available, I am sure my front end can use a rebuild but that is not in the cards right now. A very patient girlfriend is becoming impatient and wants this on the road